Chapter 13: Mud

The locker room was filled with cheers and laughter as everyone dried off and got into comfier clothes.

"Excited for the party tonight?" Draco asked, slinging an arm over my shoulders as we made our way towards the exit.

I couldn't help but slightly grimace "Yes?"

He frowned, squeezing my shoulder "Is that a question?"

I stopped, letting his arm drop from my shoulder as I turned to him before we got to the door, "I can't help but be a bit anxious about the party" I admitted, "Especially after the last one"

He visibly stiffened, probably remembering now why I would be so nervous about attending another party in the Slytherin common room. My insides cringed slightly at the quick flash of pity that crossed his face, so I quickly added "And I also wanted to talk to my friends, considering they didn't find out about any of this the way I planned them to"

Draco held my gaze before inclining his head and repositioning his arm around me, "You don't have to come tonight, it will probably be a bit crazy, I don't know if even I will stay the whole time"

As he opened the door for us and we stepped out I decided to lighten the mood slightly, "Well, if you do happen to leave early, my bed always has a little more extra space in it"

He smirked, leaning down to kiss me when something I can only identify close to a growl came from just across from the door. I snapped my head to see who made that noise, and I should've guessed it. Ronald fucking Weasley, standing there along with Ginny and Harry. I'm a bit surprised they didn't invite the whole team with them.

"Hey guys," I said, trying to smile brightly at them, hoping it keeps them civil for longer.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Ginny snapped, taking a step forward. "I want a clear explanation right now Hermione, or you will have to be at the other end of one of my bat-bogey hexes'"

Draco had a tight grip on me, but I reluctantly stepped out of his hold, putting a bit of space between us so the attention was solely on me. "I had gotten caught too many times for being out after hours, so Dumbledore made me start managing the Slytherin Quidditch team" I confessed.

"Since when?" Ron questioned, standing at his full height as if he could ever intimidate me.

Crossing my arms, I answered honestly "The night before we broke up"

Ron simply looked away from me, sending a glare towards Draco who merely just stared back unamused. Ginny shook her head, her red-haired plait whipping around aggressively. "So why the fuck didn't you tell us?"

In all honesty, my main answer was fear. Fear that they would use me for their own teams' benefit. Fear that they would later judge me as I formed friendships with the people on the team. Fear that they would stop seeing me the same way. I was never a fan of change, and this was a big one.

I lifted my shoulders "I didn't know how you all would react-"

"-So you just made us find out during the most important game of the year?" Harry interrupted, speaking for the first time. His tone was even, but the look on his face made my stomach roll in guilt.

I felt tears prick at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall "I didn't want you all to find out like this"

"Find out about what exactly?" Ginny bit out. "Find out that you helped the Slytherin team win? That you befriended all the Slytherins and became their new favorite toy? That you are now in a relationship with the worst of them all?"

I marched towards her, "You know nothing, Ginny, and if you'd all just sit down and listen to me, all this shouting and all these insults can be over with! Then if I had yet to answer any of your questions, I will sit, listen to every single one, and answer truthfully"

Ginny's eyes pierced mine as we stared at each other, challenging one another. I could see tears in her eyes, but just like me, she was stubborn. "You lied continuously to me, to everyone!" She sneered, "How am I now supposed to just sit and listen when you could be spewing more lies"

Shaking my head, I tried to find an explanation. "Looks like the lying bitch hasn't got an answer" Ron snarled.

Draco was by my side in seconds, keeping his eyes trained on Ron. "Watch your mouth, Weasel"

Ron took a taunting step forward "Or what? Going to steal another Gryffindor to play with?"

Ron's annoying smirk was wiped off his face when Draco had him slammed up against one of the walls in the walkway. The blonde was holding him up by the front of his jersey, making their faces the same height. "From what I learned about you, Weasel-"

"-Draco" I protested, softly.

"-You seem to be the only one 'playing' with girls"

The redhead kept his expression blank, but then he made the mistake of spitting at Draco, the saliva landing with a splat on Draco's pointy right cheekbone. I wasn't surprised when Ron ended up on the ground, face having gotten punched by Draco.

I saw Draco getting ready to strike again but I pulled on his arm, "Stop it!" I demanded, "You're only making it worse for me"

His eyes softened and he followed my direction, but his body had yet to decompress.

Harry was cursing as he helped Ron up from the ground. I looked over at Ginny, she had a look of pure uncertainty on her face as she watched her brother and boyfriend. When our eyes met, I couldn't help but let a tear slip, she hated me. It was written all over her.

"Ginny-"

"Don't ever speak to me again" She hissed, marching past me, slowly being trailed by Ron and Harry.

"Harry?"

My best friend looked over his shoulder at me with the same look his girlfriend had, hatred. "Same goes for me, Granger. Don't talk to us"

My heart shattered into millions of pieces. Tears had started to fall freely just as the others exited the locker room.

Theo was telling a story, but then abruptly stopped at the sight of me "What the-"

My sorrow being masked with anger, I turned towards Draco. "You should've not fucking said or done anything!"

He raised his arms defensively "As if I was going to let them walk over you-"

"I didn't need you. This was supposed to happen without you because you are a threat in their eyes," After forcefully wiping my eyes, I continued "I know they taunted you, but couldn't you see they were upset? Hurt? I mean" I laughed angrily "Have some sympathy for them. I lied to them for months!"

"I never asked for you to lie," Draco said, reaching towards me, but I stepped back. He looked hurt, but I was hurting too, I had just lost two of my best friends. "They still weren't treating you right"

"Because you've treated me right ever since I met you?" I turned towards the group who had been watching us silently "Since I met all of you in first year?" Cause as I recall, to the majority of you, I was just a filthy little mud-"

"Don't fucking say it!" Draco roared. My mouth clamped shut, tears running down my face. I keep ruining everything I cherished.

Before I could make things worse, I fled from the scene, running through the rain to the castle, longing to be in my dorm to cry in peace. I heard fuss and objections being yelled at me, but I ignored them, I needed to get away.

~0~

After what seemed like the longest trek to the Gryffindor Towers, I whispered this week's password to the Fat Lady, hoping she didn't notice the tears that had continued to stream down my face or how out of breath I was from running my whole way here from the pitch. "Go Team Gryffindor"

The Fat Lady looked unamused and just sniffed at me "Incorrect"

My head jerked back, confused. That was the password, Seamus made it for house pride. "Yes, it is," I insisted.

She sighed, shaking her head, "No, it is not, it was changed just moments ago"

A soft sob ripped from my throat. I should've known they'd change it. I had to weigh my options now. I could wait, crying in front of the Gryffindor common room, hoping for someone to let me in, or I could go to the dungeons and face the Slytherins who just watched me on the verge of a breakdown, who I had most likely just offended.

The Fat Lady looked bored with me, so I raised my eyebrow, questioning her "What?"

She lifted her shoulders, paying attention to nothing but her nails, "Oh, nothing, just portraits talk you know?"

"And what do they say?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips.

She finally made eye contact with me "That you, Hermione Granger are a traitor"

I rolled my eyes, ready to set her straight when she waved me off, "Someone is coming, and I suggest you leave unless you want another dispute"

I didn't look back as I walked around the corridor to wait around a corner, wanting to see who it was. A group approached the portrait, I was only able to spot Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Luna, who stood in the back, surrounded by Gryffindors from other years.

"Go Team Gryffindor," Dean said, before continuing his conversation with Seamus. When the portrait didn't open everyone quieted as the Fat Lady whispered to them.

"Password changed moments ago to 'Lying Snake'"

Everyone besides Luna and Neville looked at each other knowingly, as if I was already shunned from them too. "Lying Snake" Seamus snarled as the group laughed, following him in. I watched Neville give Luna a quick hug goodbye before parting and closing the portrait behind him.

"You can come out now, Hermione," Luna said, keeping her eyes trained on the Fat Lady.

I should've known she'd know I was watching them. I walked over to her, "Hello, Luna"

Luna finally looked at me, smiling "You look unwell"

I almost laughed, but I nodded "I assume you know why"

Gazing back towards the door, she bobbed her head "Of course, but I've known for a while, both yours and Draco's wrackspurts stopped infesting you at the same time"

The Fat Lady scoffed, cutting in on our conversation. "Are you going to try to get in, or just do chit chat"

I noticed Luna not moving, so I tried the new password "Lying Snake"

"Access Denied"

I gasped, "What?"

"I was given strict instruction to only let Gryffindors in for tonight," She said, sitting down, getting comfortable for tonight.

I stomped my foot, bringing her attention back to me. "But I am a Gryffindor!" I cried out, my frustration reaching its limit.

She looked me up and down, "Are you?"

I followed her gaze and noticed I was still wearing my Slytherin jacket from the equipment closet. I opened my mouth to argue, but Luna placed a hand on my shoulder. "You can stay with me tonight, Hermione, I don't think anyone wants you here right now"

I followed her numbingly as her harsh, but needed truth hit me.

No one's going to want me anymore after what I pulled today. Not even Draco, I yelled at him, said awful words to him, for no reason. My temper isn't an excuse anymore, especially now that I don't let Draco use it as one.

They didn't want me anymore.

The Brightest Witch of Her Age wasn't wanted anymore.

~0~

The next week was brutal.

I slept in Luna's bed Friday night while she hunted for nargles near Hagrid's Hut. Luckily, early Saturday morning, the Fat Lady finally let me into the common room so I was able to avoid most Gryffindors before they arose for breakfast.

I spent the whole weekend in my dorm, ignoring the charmed notes from different Slytherins that had been sent to my window at the top of the tower. Throughout the week the notes became unbearable with the constant knocking on the window, especially when the notes turned to owls, who then started pecking at the window.

To get away from it all, I'd find myself walking through and around the pitch. There hadn't been any practices for the other house because the season was over for them, and the weather had been too bad for the Slytherins to continue practicing. Some people would try to come out and play a pickup game, but the rain and mud didn't keep them there for long.

It had been a week of silence from the Gryffindors as I sat on one of the benches at the side of the pitch, letting the rain beat down on me. The most reaction I got from them were frowns and insults. I try to ignore them, but in the long run, they're right, aren't they?

I brought my knees up to my chest, burying my face in them to alleviate some of the pain from the headache that never seems to leave me. I gave myself a few more moments before reluctantly putting my feet back on the muddy ground, getting ready to leave.

Looking up I wiped my eyes of some of the tears and rain that had gotten in them when I spotted something not too far from me that wasn't there when I arrived.

A football.

Just sitting there in the downpour and filth.

I almost wanted to laugh, wondering how it got there. As I walked past it I gave it a good kick in the direction where the goal would usually be, before starting my slippery stroll back to the castle.

Until the ball rolled back to me.

I stopped in my tracks. The fog and heavy rain made it difficult to see, I could barely see the silhouette of a person standing a few paces away.

I tensed up. I was not too fond of being out here, emotionally drained and alone. Cautiously, I wrapped my hand around my wand before kicking the ball back.

The person moved, kicked it, and went back to standing as if they were also just observing me. "Whoever you are, stop it. I'm cold and want to go back to my dorm"

"Even if that means missing a game with me?" I heard Draco's voice ask softly through the fog.

I watched as he stepped closer, showing himself. He looked tired, but anxious, probably waiting for my reaction. I gave one shake of the head, "No, not today"

He frowned, but another voice spoke up, "Not even with us?"

Theo.

Glancing around, I tried to find where he was, but soon everyone revealed themselves in a circle around me as if anticipating I would kick the football and one of them would have to kick it back to make me stay. I went to refuse again but then Blaise cut me off.

"We don't have to talk or anything, just a pickup game of football"

"It's rainy and muddy, not ideal for football" I pointed out, shaking the mass of mud off my shoe for emphasis.

"Even better" Blaise shrugged, pulling his shirt off, taking charge, "Okay, teams are me, Graham, Draco, and Greg as skins, leaving you with Adrian, Vince, and Theo as shirts"

I crossed my arms, preparing to contest a second time, but everyone was already moving. Ripping shirts off, doing small leg stretches, Graham was already waiting at the net at the opposite side of the pitch.

"Come on, Hermione" Adrian insisted, "You don't need to talk, just play, and make sure Draco bloody loses, his ego is always too high after a win"

I hid my chuckle as I went to my spot on the other net.

~0~

Mud was flying everywhere as everyone ran around. I was caked in it from sliding from balls or slipping on wet spots. But I wasn't the only one. Everyone was covered, Draco bright blonde hair looked like he did a botched job dying it brown.

It took me a while before I got into the game. I wanted too badly to be in my warm bed, avoiding the world and the issues it's thrown towards me.

I was laughing as Draco approached slowly with the ball, deciding which way he wanted to score on me. He looked like he was aiming for my right, but then as if a last-minute idea popped into his head, he did something I never thought I'd see him do again.

He kicked the ball straight in the air, full of force against the heavy rain. I watched in awe as it continued to fly up, but was drawn back to the game when Draco was running straight towards me. "No!" I squealed involuntarily as he picked me up over his shoulder, instead of throwing me on the ground and punching me like he did Graham not too long ago.

Then I felt us run back to where the ball had just landed and him kick the ball in the wide-open net. "You cheater!" I shrieked, kicking my feet, which were no doubtingly slinging mud in his face.

Soon I was on my back in the mud, Draco pressing me down as he laughed. I heard the others laughing around us but I continued to try to wiggle my way out of his grip and the sludge. "How is moving the goalie not allowed?" He asked through his chuckles.

Scolding, but smirking slightly I said "It just isn't"

He continued to laugh at my struggle, "Is it allowed to kiss the goalie"

My heart fluttered. I knew I missed him and his company, but after what I said to him, I didn't think he'd want to see me. I felt myself start weeping "I'm sorry, Draco-"

He shushed me, leaning back and pulling me up into him, so we were both on our knees in the slush. "That isn't what I asked," He said, moving muddy hair out of my face, "I asked if it's allowed to kiss the goalie?"

I sniffled, "In this circumstance, yes"

His lips were on mine not a beat later. I nearly stumbled back from the sheer force of it. The kiss said so much, did so much. My body felt like it was just lit back up after being dimmed for years. I felt revived when he pulled away "It's ok, Hermione. I know you were upset, and our presence, especially mine, didn't help, but we miss you"

A few tears were still falling as I said quietly "I missed you all too"

He leaned back in to kiss me, kissing me deeper this time despite the mud covering our faces. He swiped his tongue over the seam of my lips, sending a shiver down my spine. Why did I wait so long to see him? My hands made their way through his hair, still silky regardless of the dirt in it.

We resistantly pulled away as Theo called out to us "Oi lovebirds! Now that you made up, can we please get to dinner? I'm bloody starving!"

Resting my forehead against Draco's as we laughed, we all agreed it was time to eat.

~0~

It hadn't hit me that we were going to dinner covered in mud and out of uniform. We were allowed to be out of uniform on Friday nights and weekends, but I prefer to stay in uniform during school days, even Friday night dinner.

I had originally planned to skip it earlier, not wanting to see the glares from the Gryffindor table or the pitied looks from the Slytherins. But having made up with the Slytherins, I thought I'd give supper a shot.

Holding Draco's hand, we rounded the doors to the Great Hall, and the smile that had been stuck on my face from football fell. It seemed everyone was there. Most meals lasted a certain amount of time and people could come and go as they pleased. Other times we'd get a notice to be at dinner at a certain time for announcements and a feast.

We didn't have announcements today, it just appeared everybody wanted to eat at the same time.

The whole Gryffindor table quieted at the sight of me and the other Slytherins. I wanted to leave, crawl into a hole, and never leave it, but Draco's grip on my hand was tight. I peeked out of the corner of my eye and noticed the others had stopped too, and noticed the change in demeanor from the Lions' table.

Giving Draco's hand a squeeze, I turned towards him, trying to keep my voice level. "I'll see you after dinner," I said loud enough for the other boys to hear before letting go of Draco's hand and moving towards the Gryffindor table to sit.

I approached the empty spot at the end of the table, not wanting to test my luck anywhere else. "Why are you and the snakes covered in mud?" Harry asked from little ways away. His face didn't give anything away, but I could hear the venom in his words.

"So now you're talking to me?" I asked innocently, then turned away from Harry, reaching to fill my plate, but was stopped when Cormac McLaggen grabbed my arm.

"If you were so desperate for attention Granger, you could've just asked me" Cormac whispered, but loud enough for the table to hear.

Ripping my hand from his clasp, I scoffed in disgust, looking over to Harry, who had unquestionably heard what Cormac had to say, for any type of support. Harry just lifted a shoulder returning to his meal and conversation with Neville and Ron. The latter chose to ignore me completely.

Cormac looked as if he was about to speak again, probably preparing for a pickup line this time around, but I had lost my appetite, not wanting to sit there any longer and deal with this nonsense.

Having already chosen to sit there, I hadn't planned on speaking with them, they were the ones to initiate contact with me. Stomping my way to the exit, I practically growled as I was stopped once again by someone grabbing hold of my arm.

Spinning around quickly, I met familiar grey eyes. "Draco, not now-"

"Eat with us," He said, his eyes burning into mine.

My shoulders slumped as I worried my lip before answering, "It would only give them more ammunition"

He took a step closer, slipping his hand into mine, intertwining our fingers. "They were the ones denying you of your meal by being arseholes" I giggled slightly at how sincere he said it, " And they already hate you, so would dinner with your friends be so bad?"

Shifting weight to my left foot, I peeked around Draco, finding my Slytherin bunches' eyes tentatively waiting for me and Draco to return to the table. I bit back a smile as I nodded.

Towards the beginning of my relationship with the Slytherins, I was worried about how the other Slytherin classmates would react. I was always nervous for one to snap, talk about my impure blood, or my swotty behavior. Turns out either they didn't mind, or they just really didn't care, because as I sat down I was barely spared a glance by people like Millicent Bulstrode or Tracey Davis.

Theo had already started loading up my plate as Blaise filled up my goblet with pumpkin juice. "Woah, Theo, I don't think you know how much a girl my size eats" I laughed, taking my plate that was stacked four textbooks high, from his offering hand.

Theo shook his head, going back to his meal. "A little extra never hurt anybody, Hermione. Plus, nutrients would be good for that big swotty brain of yours"

The table erupted in laughter as both Draco and I threw a bread roll at Theo's head.